Small steps, great strides

Gandhi once said, “The future depends on what we do in the present.” On Jan. 26, 2013, a rally was held outside of CCWF. Music, signs and most of all unity were in evidence that day. People came together for a common goal to bring awareness to what is going on behind locked doors.

Women have been viewed and stereotyped by society as being meek, vulnerable or even submissive. It was even said that women in prison can adapt and conform to any situation because we make it work. Yes, we can make anything work because that is what a wife, mother, sister or any real woman does.

We have been specially designed to give birth to not only a child, but a better vision. However, we will not compromise our health, rights or needs.

This rally has given me hope to know that what we go through does matter. That even if we are inmates, we are still human beings and have rights.

I have been incarcerated since the young age of 16 and have life without parole. I and many others are just one reason why prisons are overcrowded. The solution is not to build more prisons but instead let the ones who have been rehabilitated go. What is the point of having the “R” in “CDCR” if we are never allowed to utilize the tools of our recovery back in society?

This may have been just one small step towards a solution, but it will turn into great strides if we keep stepping. “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together,” said Vincent Van Gogh.

The solution is not to build more prisons but instead let the ones who have been rehabilitated go. What is the point of having the “R” in “CDCR” if we are never allowed to utilize the tools of our recovery back in society?

I encourage you all to consider supporting bills, rallies and laws that give the rehabilitated a chance for redemption. Our past has made us stronger to touch, understand, influence and change the world that desperately needs healing.